19 November 2009

Our Deepest Fear


This narrative which was used by Nelson Mandela in his 1994 Inaugural Speech, was actually written by Marianne Williamson.


"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves; "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?" Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."



1 comment:

LeafHacker Team said...

Although Mr. Mandela never actually quoted her or said those words, its still an inspiring quote, and an interesting and bizarre rumor! Here's his speech, which is just as inspiring as Williamson's. http://www.africa.upenn.edu/Articles_Gen/Inaugural_Speech_17984.html